Here We Go: Maryland Becomes the 11th State to Ban Homosexual Conversion Therapy for Minors

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has signed a bill into law that bans sexual orientation conversion therapy for youth, making it the eleventh state to do so.

Governor Hogan signed Senate Bill 1028 into law on Tuesday, joining California, Connecticut, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York via executive action, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington State, as well as the District of Columbia.

Also called the Youth Mental Health Protection Act, SB 1028 was introduced in February and passed in the Senate by a vote of 34-12 and then in the House by a vote of 95-27.

Debate over the proposed legislation struck a personal nerve as Delegate Meagan Simonaire voted for the bill, while her father, Senator Bryan Simonaire, voted against it.

“The definition is so expansive this bill could revoke someone’s license and livelihood by a simple conversation,” warned Sen. Simonaire, as quoted by the Baltimore Sun. “I wonder if Jesus would have been banned if he had been licensed in Maryland.”

Chad Griffin, president of the major LGBT group the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement released Tuesday that he applauded the decision.

“Today, Maryland is a better place for countless young people thanks to the many advocates, allies, parents, and survivors who spoke out against this practice and urged their elected officials — Republicans and Democrats alike — to adopt these crucial protections,” stated Griffin.